Machine for postmarking and canceling mail



w. H BOWES. MACHINE FOR POSTMARKING AND CANCELING MAIL.

APPLICATION FILED min. 1.2. 1919. I Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

W. H. BOWES.

MACHINE FOR POSTMARKING AND CANCELING MAIL.

APPLICATIQN FILED FEB. V2. I 9l9- 4 Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WALTER H. B OWES. 0F STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT.

MACHINE FOR POSTMARKING AND CANCELING MAIL.

Application filed February 12, 1919. Serial lio. 276,551.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WALTER H. Bowns, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at Stamford, 'in the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Postmarking and Canceling Mail; and I hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference beinghad to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

This invention relates to machines for postmarking and canceling niail, but it is also adaptable to other machines in which an intermittently rotatable -member is employed to operate upon' articles, (such as letters, sheets of paper, checks and the like) fed therepast; and therefore, while I will describe an embodiment of the invention particularly constructed and designed for use in connection with stamp canceling and postmarking machines, it is to be understood that the invention is susceptible of other applications in'the art and is not limited to the particular machine described.

The objects of the invention are: to provide novel improved frictional clutch means for driving the die carrier intermittently from a continuously driven shaft; to provide the die carrier with upper and lower frictional members; to provide novel means for regulating the frictional pressure or amount of friction between the die carrier friction clutch members and the positively driven friction clutch members; to enable the driven friction clutch members to be also used as auxiliary feeding means cooperating with the impression roller to feed the article past the die-carrier; to enable the stop and tripping mechanism to be disposed above the table if desired; and to simplify and improve the construction of parts, make them reliable and ,efficient in operation, and enhance the practical speed of operation of the machine.

I will explain one practical embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, to enable others familiar with the artto understand, adapt and use the same. In the claims are summarized the essential features of the invention and the various novel constructions and combinations of parts therein, for all ofwhich protection is desired.

In said drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional elevation of part of the printing mechanism of a postmarking and stamp canceling machine embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatical top plan view thereof.

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view on line 3-3, Fig. 2.

Fig. 1 is a detail sectional view online 4-4, Fig. 2. I

In the construction indicated in the drawings, (Fig. 2), I is the impression roller; P the die-carrier or printin roller coacting therewith; R the so-called trip-pressureroller, and R the .coacting so-called tripfeed-roller; all of which are shown as rela tively arranged and adapted to operate sub stantially as in the so-called Universal stamp canceling and postmarking machines, which are well known and therefore do not require further detailed description herein.

The impression roller I is shown as mounted upon a shaft 1, which may be journaled in a swingable bracket 1 and may be driven by any suitable means; a universal joint connection 1 is shown between the lower end of shaft 1 and a driven shaft 1 below; which shaft 1 may be driven by gearing (not shown); the construction indicated being such as is used in the said Universal machines.

Mounted adjacent the shaft 1 and parallel therewith is a shaft 2 which may be journaled in a bushing 2 in a part T on the table T, and in a bushing 2 which may be supported on the part T in any suitable way. The bushings or bearings 2 and 2 however should be in exact parallelism so that the shafts 1 and 2 will be parallel; but the shaft 1 is preferably movable laterally toward or from the shaft 2.

As shown the bushing 2 is supported in the inner end 2 of a bracket 2 which is adj ustably attached to parallel upright studs t t rising from and fast to the part T adj acent the shaft 2. The bracket 2 is pref erably bored and split as shown to facilitate its engagement with studs t t, and is removably fastened thereto by a clamping bolt 2* tapped through the slit end of the bar, as indicatedin Figs. 1 and 2.

Mounted upon the shaft 2 between the bushings 2 and 2 is the printing roller or member, which, in the construction indiextensions 3 and 3 which extensions are respectively provided, opposite the ends of the die, with friction members or disks 3 and 3 respectively. All 'the parts (3, 3, 3",

.3, 3 might'be formed integral but preferably the die and friction disks are formed separately and rigidly connected to 'an axial sleeve in any suitable way, as indicated in the drawings, so that they are practically unitary.

On the shaft 2 below the disk 3 is nonrotatably secured a cupped friction member I 4; as shown the hub of this members is innedto theshaft 2, as indicated at 4.

,his' friction member is preferably chambered on its upper surface to receive the opposed,' friction disk 3 and the exterior of the peripheral flange. 4 of member 4: lies opposite the periphery of the impression'roller I and is adapted to co-act therewith in forwarding articles, such as letters, indicated at M in Figs. 1 and'2.

This friction member 4 carries a friction washer 4 (of any suitable material, preferably cork) which directly contacts with the lower sideof the friction disk 3 on the the shaft 2 above the die *5 (similar to its under side for the lower end of the die."

Slidably but non-rotatably mounted upon g and upper'fricis a cupped friction member member 4) having arecess on reception of the opand the exterior of tion disk '3,

P sed friction disk 3 the depending peripheral flange 5 of memr shaft 2. Between the inner surface of her 5 is adapted to co-act with the opposed the impression roller I in feeding thearticle M past the die, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2 The friction member 5 carries a friction washer 5 (of any suitable material, preferably cork),.which is adapted to contact with the upper surface of the opposed fric- .tion disk 3 on the die-hub. As shown in Fig. 3 the friction member 5 is slidably but non-rotatably connected with the shaft 2 by means of a pin 5 passed through a transverse slot 2 in the shaft; and the shaft 2 is bored out above the slot 2 and into the threaded upper end of this bore is tapped an adjustable screw bolt- 6, which is provided with a locking nut 6 on it above the end of this bolt 6 and the pin 5*- is interposed a helical expansion spring 6, and preferably the lower end of spring 6 .is connected to a pin 6" end of an adjustable rod 12 the die is normally urged to rotate with the shaft 2.

The shaft 2 may be driven continuously by any suitable means; or as in the Universal machine, by suitable gearing connected with its lower end, but not shown; but the printing roller P or.die 3 in such stamp canceling and postmarkingmachinc is only permitted to rotate intermittently, or once for each article M that is fed past it. Forthis purpose any suitable automatically operating die stopping and releasing devices may be provided. The printing roller or die 3 is shown as provided with a stop roller 11, which may be conveniently mounted on the stud or pin 3? by which-the printing or marking surfaces are detachably attached to the die (in the usual manner) not necessary to herein show or explain. Said roller 11" is adapted to engage a stop roller-12 on the long arm 12 of a rocking stop lever pivoted on a pin 12 attached to bracket 2, and the short arm 12 of lever 12 may be connected by a link 14 to the arm 15 of the trip finger 15 which is adapted to project into the path of the incoming articles M, as indicated in Fig. 2, so as to be successively tripped or rocked thereby.

The trip finger is shown as pivoted at 15 011 one end of a lever 16, pivoted in turn at 16 on an arm 16 projecting from bracket 2, said lever being normally held by a spring 16 against a stop 18 on arm 16*. The short arm 12. of lever 12 is normally held against a stop 13 by a spring 12 connected to said arm 12 and to the bent which is supported in a bore in the bracket 2 and can be locked in any adjusted position, by means of a thumb screw 12 (see Fig. 4).

This tripping mechanism is generally constructed like, and is intended to operate, sub stantially as shown and described in Frederick E. Poors'Patent'No. 1,309.655, July 15, 1919, and therefore needs no further detailed explanation herein; but in the present case all the operative parts of the trip are shown as above the table and readily ac cessible, and are bodily removable and replaceable with bracket 2.

In operation the trip finger 15 is actuated by each incoming article M in time to cause the stop 12 to release the die 3 at the proper moment. Thedie is always urged to rotate with the continuously rotating shaft 2 by to engage roller 11 and arrest the die.

Upon the hub 3 of the die, between the disk 3 and the die 3, maybe placed a pinion 7, which engages with a similar pinion 7 on the upper end of a shaft 7 which has a worm 7 on its lower end engaging the actuating gear 7 of a suitable countlllg" mechanism C, indicated but not shown, by which each rotation of the die 3 is registered, and thus the number of impressions or operations of the die 3 are counted.

The die and friction members should be provided with suitable ducts to conduct lubricant to the bore of the die, and all parts requiring lubrication; such ducts being well known, and within the province of a mechanic to supply, I have not illustrated sam in detail herein.

What I claim is: 3

1. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of a rotating impression roller, a printing member, and friction members at opposite ends of the printing member adapted to drive the printing memher and cooperate with the roller in feeding articles past the printing member.

2. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of a rotating impres sion roller, a die, and combined friction and feed disks at opposite ends of the die adapted to drive the. die and cooperate with the roller in feeding articles past the die.

3. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of a rotating impression roller, a printing member having friction surfaces at its opposite ends; friction members opposite said surfaces and in constant engagement therewith; means for positively rotating the friction members, and means for permitting the printing member to rotate with the friction members.

4. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of a rotating impression roller, a die, friction disks connected with opposite ends of the die, and positively driven friction members at opposite ends of thesdie respectively engaging the opposed friction disks on the die.

5. In mechanism of the character specifled, the combination of a rotating impression roller, a die, friction disks connected with opposite ends of the die, and positively driven friction members at opposite ends of the dies respectively engaging the opposed friction disks on the die, means for arresting the die, andmeans for releasing the die.

6. In mechanism of the" character specified, the combination of a rotating impression roller, a printing member, having friction surfaces at its opposite endsa'dapted to cooperate with the roller in feeding articles past the printing member; friction members opposite said surfaces; means for posi-.

tively rotating the friction members, meansv for arresting theprinting member and means for permitting the printing member to rotate with the members.

.7. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of a rotating impression roller, a die, friction disks connected with opposite ends of the die, positively driven friction members at oppositeends of the die respectively engagingthe opposed friction disks on the die, and adapted to cooperate with the roller in feeding articles past the die. i

8. In mechanism of the character speci' tied, the combination'of a rotating impression roller, :1. die, friction disks connected with opposite ends of the die, positively driven friction members at opposite ends of the die respectively engaging the opposed friction disks on the die, and adapted to cooperate with the roller in feeding articles past the die; means for arresting the die, and means for releasing the die.

9. In mechanism of the character speci fied, the combination of a printing member having friction surfaces at opposite ends, and friction members respectively continually operatively engaging the opposed friction surfaces; means for positively rotating the friction members; and means for per mitting the printing member to rotate with the members.

10. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of a printing member having friction surfaces; disks at opposite ends; friction members continually in cooperative engagement with the friction sur-. faces; means for positively rotating the friction members; means for stopping the printing member, and means for permitting the printing member to rotate with the friction members.

11. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of a die having friction surfaces at its opposite ends. friction members at opposite ends of the die respectively continually engaging the opposed friction surfaces; means for positively rotating the friction members; means for stopping the die, and means for permitting the flanges adapted to coact with opposed friction surfaces.

tively rotating the friction members; and means for stopping the die and article operated means for releasing the die and permit ting it to rotate with the members.

13. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of a rotating impression roller, a die, friction disks connected with opposite ends of the die,- friction members at opposite ends of the die respectively engaging the opposed friction disks on the fied, a driven shaft, a die 'rotatably mounted thereon havin friction surfaces at its opposite ends, friction members connected with said shaft and rotating therewith and in continuous operative engagement with said surfaces to cause the die to rotate; means for arresting the die; and means for releasing the die.

15. In mechanism of the character specifiied, a driven shaft, 9. die rotatably mounted thereon provided with friction surfaces at its opposite ends, friction members connected with said shaft and rotating therewith and engaging said surfaces to cause the die to rotate, said friction members being adapted to assist in feeding articles. past the die; means for arresting the die, and means for releasing the die for each article passing the same, substantially as described.

16. In mechanism of the character specified, an impression roller, a driven shaft beside the roller, a printing member rotatably mounted thereon provided with friction surfaces at opposite ends, friction members connected with said shaft and rotating therewith and engaging said surfaces to cause the printing member to rotate, said friction member having circular peripheral the impression roller to feed articles past the rinting member, substantially as described 17. In mechanism of the character specified, a driven shaft, a printing member rotatably mounted thereon rovided with a friction surface. at each on a air of friction members attached to said s aft at opposite ends of the printing member and respectively continuously enga g the friction surfaces, and means Ediyieldingly pressing the friction members toward each between the other to regulate the friction 18. In mechanism of the character 5 cified, an impression roller, a driven she beside the roller, a die rotatably mounted thereon provided with friction disks at its opposite ends, friction members connected with said shaft and rotating therewith and tatably opposite ends of the printing member,- a

engaging said disks to cause the die to rotate, said friction members having circular peripheral flanges adapted to coact with the impression roller to feed articles past the die; means for arresting the rotation of the die and means for releasing the 'die for each article passing the same, substantially as described.

19. In mechanism of the character specified, a driven shaft, a die rotatably mounted thereon provided with a friction surface at each end; a pair of friction members at-' tached to said shaft at opposite ends ofthe die and respectively continuously engaging the friction surfaces and means for yield ingly pressing the friction members toward tating therewith and continuously engagingsaid surfaces to cause the printing member to rotate; with a spring for pressing one of the friction members toward the other, and means for adjusting the spring to regulate the pressure on the opposed friction surfaces.

.21. In mechanism of the character specified, a driven shaft, a printing member rotatably mounted thereon, friction surfaces at opposite ends of and connected with the printing member; friction members con nected with said shaft and rotating therewith and engaging said surfaces to cause the die to rotate; a spring in the shaft for pressing one of the. friction members toward the other, and an adjustable bolt tapped into the. shaft and enga ing the spring to regulate the pressure 0 the opposed friction surfaces.

22. In mechanism of the character specified, a drivenshaft, a printing member r0- mounted thereon, friction disks on pair of friction members attached to said shaft at opposite ends of the printin member and respectively engaging the riction disks, said friction members being hollow to receive said friction disks; and means for yieldingly pressing the friction members to-' ward eac other to regulate the friction between the op osed friction surfaces.

23. In mec anism of the character specified, a driven shaft, a die rotatably mounted thereon, friction disks at opposite endsof the die, a pair of friction members attached to said shaft at opposite ends of the die and respectively engaging the friction disks, said friction members being hollow to receive said arresting the die at the end of each rotationthereof and article controlled means for re-- leasing .the die for each article passingthe I .same, substantially as described.

'24:.v In mechanism of the character speci-'.

fied, the combination of an impression roller and means for rotating same, a driven shaft beside the impression roller, a printing inember rotatably mounted thereon provided with a friction surface at each end; a pair of friction members attached to said shaft at opposite ends of the printing member and respectively engaging the friction surfaces, said fI'iCiLlOD members havin peripheral surfaces ada ted to coact with t e impression roller in eedin articles past the die; with'means for arrestmgthe die at the end of each rotation thereof, and article actuated means for releasing the die for each article passing the same, substantially as described.

25. In mechanism of the character speci fied, the combination of an impressionroller' and means for rotating same; a shaft beside the impression roller, and means for rotatin the shaft a die rotatably mounted on sai roller and provided with friction surfaces on its opposite ends, friction members attached to the shaft at opposite endsof the die and respectively enga ing'the o posed friction surfaces of the ie said ction members havin peripheral flan es adapted to coact witht e impression ro ler in forwarding articles. ast the die; with means for stopping the ie-at each rotation thereof,'and trip mechanism for releasing the die each time an article is fed therepast.

26. In mechanism of the character specified, the combination of an impression roller, and means for rotating same; a shaft beside the impression roller; and means for rotatin the shaft; a, die rotatabl mounted on sai roller and providedwith o posits ends,jfriction members attached to t e shaft at opposite ends of the die and frictional means interposed between the said friction members and disks, said friction members having peripheral flan es adaptedto coact with the impression ro er in forwarding articles past thedie. I

'ction disks on its 7 the said friction members and disks, said friction members havin peripheral flanges ada ted to coact with t e impression roller in orwarding articles ast the die; with means for regulating the pressure of the friction members against the disks, meansfor stopping the die at each rotation thereof, and article operated trip mechanism for releasing the die each time an article is fed therepast.

28. In mechanism of the character speci- I fied, the combination of a rotatin impression roller, a printing-member. an friction members at opposite ends of the printing member and continuously engaged therewith adapted to drive the printingmember and cooperate with the roller in feeding articles past the printing member; with means for arresting the printing tation thereof, and trlpping mechanism located above the die for releasing the printing member, said tripping mechan sm being actuated by articles fed toward the printing member, substantially as described.

member at each ro-.

29. In mechanism of the character specified, a driven shaft, a printing member rotatably mounted thereon friction surface at each en a pair of friction members attached to said shaftat opposite ends of the printing member and respectively' continuously engaging the opposed frictlon surfaces, and means for yieldmgly pressing the friction members toward each other to regulate the friction between the opposed friction surfaces; with means for arresting the printin I member at each rotation thereof, and tripping mechanism located above the die for releasing the printing member, said tri ping mechanism being actuated by articles ed toward the printing member, substantially as described.

30. In mechanism of the character specified, an impression roller, a driven shaft beside the roller, a printing member rotatably mounted thereon provided with friction surfaces at opposite ends, friction members connected with said shaft and rotating therewith and engaging said surfaces to cause the printing member to rotate, said friction members having circular peripheral flan es ada ted to coact with the impression rol' er to eed articles past the printing member;

' with means for arresting the printing member at each rotation thereof, and trip ing rovided with a 9o mechanism located above the die for re easing-the printing member said trippin mechanism being actuated by articles fed toward the printing. member, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the as my own, I aflix ature.

m 81 wair R H. BOWES.

foregoing 

